A calm tone of voice, carefully chosen words, and a level of composure that seems far beyond his years. When a young driver suddenly finds himself under the spotlight, the risk of unwanted side effects is always present. Motorsport history is full of examples, and Formula 1 is certainly no exception.
And yet, Kimi Antonelli appears to be just that—an exception. The young Italian driver seems almost immune to the intense attention that naturally comes with winning Grands Prix and rapidly climbing the championship standings. The Italian has shown an impressive ability to embrace the positives of his rising status while filtering out any potential negativity that could distract him.
“The start of the season has definitely been better than many expected,” he explained. “I am aware that expectations may now be different, but I try to maintain the same mindset I had in the opening races: staying focused on the work and maximizing every opportunity. I don’t want to think about the final result—it wouldn’t make much sense at this stage. What matters is doing the best possible job every time I get in the car. I know that George is very strong, and I expect the rival teams to get closer, so I need to keep improving and raising my level.”
Antonelli consistently conveys a sense of calm and clarity. Even when faced with questions that are traditionally more uncomfortable, he shows no sign of frustration or unease.
“George? There is a lot of respect between us, and we work very well together. We have a competitive car, and we both want to make the most of this opportunity, but at the same time we understand how important it is to maintain a good balance within the team. Our relationship is solid, and I believe it will stay that way throughout the season.”
During the recent break in the Formula 1 calendar, Kimi Antonelli slightly reduced the intensity of his schedule, but he never strayed too far from the track.
“On one hand, the break was useful to reflect on the first races and understand what worked and what needs improvement. But, of course, I tried to stay active through testing in other cars and physical training. Still, it may have been a bit too long—I miss racing.”
“Probably the benefits of this break will become clearer later, especially in the final part of the season. That’s why it was important to use this period to recharge and prepare physically. I used the simulator at home and tried to stay active by driving other cars as well. It’s important to switch off a bit, but also to keep the rhythm.”
The world around him now feels more familiar for Kimi Antonelli. It is not just about results, but also about the gradual removal of doubts, one by one, throughout the 2025 season.
“Yes, today I feel much more in control. The experience gained on different circuits and during race weekends helps me manage things better and be more relaxed and confident. This will be particularly helpful on tracks where I struggled more last year. The goal is to restart from Miami at the same level we saw in Japan, or even better.”
But has nothing really changed around him?
“I am aware of the growing support around me, and it’s very nice to feel that. But if we talk about pressure, I can say it’s the same as at the beginning of the season. And just like at the start of the year, I remain focused on the work ahead and try to keep my feet firmly on the ground.”
As the 2026 season moves toward the American leg, Kimi Antonelli’s composure remains his greatest asset. By focusing on incremental improvement rather than the looming prospect of a world title, the young Italian is navigating one of the most high-pressure debuts in modern history with remarkable ease. His ability to balance the physical demands of a modern F1 car with the mental discipline required to stay “in the zone” suggests that the “Kimi-mania” currently sweeping the paddock is built on a very real and sustainable foundation.
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